Biogen Idec said that BG-12, a compound licensed from privately held Fumapharm of Switzerland, reduced psoriasis outbreaks by 68% in a Phase III trial. Patients were given the drug for 16 weeks in a double-blind study. The test was designed for approval in the German market, and Biogen Idec will use the results to apply for a marketing license there. Further Phase III tests will be required before the company can ask for marketing approval in the US and the rest of Europe. There may be more good news about the drug in the future...
